NEW YORK –
Columbia University canceled its main graduation ceremony on Monday after weeks of pro-Palestinian protests roiled the Ivy League university’s campus, but smaller school events will still take place.
“Holding a large commencement ceremony on our campus posed security concerns that unfortunately proved insurmountable,” said Columbia spokesman Ben Chang. “Like our students, we are deeply disappointed with this outcome.” The graduation was scheduled for May 15.
Chang said the university had searched for an alternative location but was unable to find one that could accommodate the students, families and guests in attendance, which normally number more than 50,000.
